Sweden exchanges licences from only four non-EEA countries
UK, Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan: everyone else needs a Swedish licence. Here is what that means for you.
The rule
According to Transportstyrelsen, only licences from the UK, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan can be exchanged in Sweden. Licences from other countries outside the EEA cannot be exchanged.
How long you can drive
A non-EEA licence is valid for one year from the day you were registered (folkbokförd) in Sweden.
Everyone else
You need a Swedish licence: a learner permit (körkortstillstånd), risk education, and the theory and practical tests. Plan early, because driving-school and test availability varies.
The 2026 change
Since 1 May 2026, EEA licences that were originally exchanged from a non-EEA licence are only accepted in three cases. See the Transportstyrelsen announcement (opens in a new tab).
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